The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 51]

I80I-I840]

EVENTS OF 180I-1840

35

occurred in the volcano Mayon, which partially or
wholly destroyed many villages in Albay and Camarines; hot stones, sand, and ashes were poured forth
from the crater, and villages were thus set on fire,
and their inhabitants killed. The slain numbered
12,000, besides many more seriously injured; and
those who escaped lost all their possessions. The
most fertile and beautiful districts of Camarines were
converted into a desert of sand.
"The introduction into Filipinas of the political
reforms established at the metropolis [of Madrid]
were the occasion, in certain localities of the archipelago, of lamentable disturbances of public order.
The Indians understood that the proclamation of the
political creed of I812, solemnly made known to the
country, signified exemption from tributes and public services; and this absurd belief spread to such an
extent that the governor of the islands found himself
obliged to publish an edict on February 8, I814,
explaining the extent of the benefits conferred [by
the Constitution], and the necessity which exists in
every nation for paying contributions for supporting
the expenses of the State. These explanations did
not satisfy the Indians, and uprisings occurred in
various places, principally in Ilocos Norte; the people claimed that they ought to be relieved, as were
the notables, from polos and services, or the obligation of laboring on public works, as bridges, highways, churches, convents, school-houses, etc.,-an
exaction which, according to them, did not go with
the equality which was established among all by the
Constitution; and it cost the alcalde-mayor of the
more than poverty and honor, although some of them had risen
to high positions in the naval forces."